Rosa 'Veilchenblau'

Rosa 'Veilchenblau' was bred by Johann Christoph Schmidt in Germany and is widely believed to be a cross between Rosa 'Crimson Rambler' and R. 'Erinnerung an Brod'. However, there is information from sources indicating that this may not be the case, and that it may be a direct seedling of Rosa 'Crimson Rambler'. Rosa 'Veilchenblau' is a hybrid multiflora rose.

At Brookgreen Gardens, we have been impressed by how Rosa 'Veilchenblau' has performed during its spring flush, or the first large flowering event of the year. This is a once-flowering rose and puts on an impressive floral display in the spring. While we have experienced problems with black spot (Diplocarpon rosae), it is after flowering has ceased. The rose appears bare during the majority of the year, as the black spot causes it to lose most of its leaves. 

Black spot can cause leaves to develop black spots with blurred edges, yellowing leaves, and eventually partial or entire defoliation. While black spot is rarely fatal, it can weaken the rose by reducing its leaves and therefore its ability to photosynthesize. Although similar in appearance to cercospora leaf spot, black spot can be distinguished by the less defined and more feathered edges of the spots. As with many fungal problems, issues are generally worse in areas with high humidity. Black spot can be treated chemically. 

At Brookgreen Gardens, roses are rarely sprayed for fungal, insect, or other environmental pressures or problems. The Poetry Garden at Brookgreen Gardens is maintained as a completely spray-free rose garden, favoring the use of disease resistant roses and proper cultural practices.